FFG 58 Launched At Bath Iron Works

The guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) was launched on 8 December 1984 at Bath Iron Works in Maine. The BIW launch crew rose before dawn to complete a checklist that was long but familiar, burnished over a century that had sent 393 ships into the Kennebec River.

PHOTOS BY BATH IRON WORKS / COURTESY PAUL RINN

The official party assembles before FFG 58. Among them are prospective CO Cmdr. Paul Rinn, BIW CEO William Haggett, Sen. Mitchell and Rep. McKernan of Maine.